India will discuss the rising menace of Islamic terrorism and ways to have effective cooperation in tackling violence in African countries during the upcoming India-Africa Summit, from October 26 to 29. The Summit in New Delhi will be one of the biggest international gatherings after NAM and CHOGM in 1983.
In the backdrop of increasing footprint of Boko Haram, Al-Shabab and Islamic State in several of the African countries, India plans to work together with the continent on information sharing, technology support, putting a check on financial support and joint training programmes in counter terrorism.
“We are already engaging with several of the African countries on bilateral terms but India-Africa Summit gives us another platform to collaborate and engage,” said Navtej Sarna, Secretary (West) in Ministry of External Affairs.
India already has a strong presence of 4,500 Armymen in Africa as part of United Nations peacekeeping troops. In fact, Indian lady officers manage a women only police station in liberia.
Indian Army also trains military personnel of several countries and Indian Navy provides support in combating piracy and guarding commercial ships. Maritime security is another area of engagement.
Trade, infrastructure, training, technology and maritime security are some of the areas of engagement with Africa. India provides line of Credit to several countries to carry out development projects. The trade with African countries has been on a rise as well.